Leeds United sign West Bromwich Albion youngster

Leeds Utd crest during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Burton Albion at Elland Road, Leeds, England on 29 October 2016. Photo by Richard Holmes.

EFL Championship side Leeds United have signed West Bromwich Albion striker Tyler Roberts. The fee is undisclosed but is believed to be in the region of £2.5 million.

Roberts signs for Leeds having spent the first half of the season on loan at Walsall in League One. He played 19 games for the Saddlers, and scored five goals.

The young forward has spent most of his career out on loan since signing his first professional contract with West Brom in 2016. He has had spells at Oxford United and Shrewsbury before plying his trade at Walsall and now Leeds this season.

His debut for the Baggies came at the end of the 2015-16 season, as they drew 1-1 with Liverpool. By coming on to the field he became only the second player born in 1999 to play in a Premier League match.

The highlight of his career came when he was called up to train with the Wales national side prior to Euro 2016. He was listed as a stand-by player for the tournament in the event of injuries.

Roberts posted a heartfelt goodbye to his boyhood club on Twitter, saying:

“Firstly would like to start with saying a massive thank you to everybody at West Bromwich Albion for helping me grow not only as a player but as a person.

“Delighted to announce my move to Leeds United and ready to start a new chapter of my life and career.”

The 19-year old will sign a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Whites. He could make his debut against Cardiff this weekend.